Rory McIlroy has enjoyed an incredible year
Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
13:20, 14 Nov 2025
Rory McIlroy with his wife Erica(Image: David Cannon/Getty Images)
Erica Stoll could potentially become ‘Lady Erica’ if her husband, Rory McIlroy, is ever bestowed with a knighthood. The rumour mill has been churning about the possibility of the Northern Irish golfing sensation becoming ‘Sir Rory’ following his monumental Masters victory in April.
By finally donning the coveted green jacket, McIlroy achieved the career Grand Slam, joining an elite group of only six male golfers in the modern era to have accomplished this feat. Among British players, only Sir Nick Faldo has won more majors during this period – and Faldo is one of just two golfers ever knighted, the other being three-time Open champion Henry Cotton.
Many are of the opinion that McIlroy, who recently led Europe to an away Ryder Cup win, has more than earned the honour. Discussing the prospect of becoming a knight this week, the 36-year-old confessed it would be “an unbelievably massive honour.”
He further commented: “That’s obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me. But I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life.”
This speculation follows the long-awaited knighthood of David Beckham. The England and Manchester United legend had been associated with the honour for years, finally receiving it earlier this month after being named in the King’s Birthday Honours List, reports the Mirror.
As a result, Sir David’s wife, Victoria Beckham, is now formally styled ‘Lady Victoria’ – a title Stoll would likewise assume if Rory were to receive the same honour.
Rory and Erica began their relationship in 2015, marrying two years later. In 2020, they welcomed their daughter Poppy into the world.
However, in May 2024, Rory filed for divorce, only to withdraw the filing a month later, stating that he and Erica had “resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Traditionally, athletes are not bestowed with knighthoods until after their retirement, but this trend has been bucked in recent years by notable sports figures such as Sir Andy Murray, who was honoured in 2019, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, who received his knighthood in 2021.
McIlroy, who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his contributions to golf, is currently in Dubai taking part in the DP World Tour Championship. He entered the tournament as the reigning champion, having won by two strokes the previous year.
This victory marked his third at the event, adding to his wins in 2012 and 2015. He got off to a strong start on Thursday, opening with three consecutive birdies, leading to his 15th round of 66 or better on the Earth Course.
He finished the first round two shots behind American leader Michael Kim. “I got off to the perfect start,” McIlroy said.
“I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I feel like I don’t want to sound like I’m that disappointed but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones.
“Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I’m very comfortable on and historically I’ve played very well on.”
The second round proved far more difficult for the Ulsterman. A pair of dropped shots on the outward nine saw him tumble down the leaderboard, leaving him facing a substantial challenge if he is to fight his way back into contention for the Claret Jug.
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